Page 66 of Healer’s Betrayal

“Remind me never to get pregnant,” I say out loud to no one in particular. But when I turn around, Jackson is eyeing me with a look I’m not sure how to read. I’m pretty sure I don’t want to read this particular look. I take a breath and blow it out. “Are you taking us back to our place tonight or—”

“You’re staying with me tonight.” His voice hasn’t lost its gruffness. “Noah, this couch has a bed. Want to help me pull it out?” Noah nods seriously and walks over to the couch. Jackson turns to me and catches my arm. “If you want to take a shower before bed, it’s all yours.”

I hadn’t thought about it, but now the thought sounds amazing. “A shower with hot water that doesn’t run out? I’m in.” I walk into the bathroom to see if they have anything I can use. Thankfully, it’s one of those nice hotels that has shampoo, conditioner, and body soap already in the shower. I walk back out into the room and grab my bag. For a moment, I look over at Jackson and Noah as they make the sofa bed. Neither of them say a word, but they work well together. My throat feels like it closes up a little as I watch. I know Noah hasn’t known any good men in his life, and I worry about that for him. Being around Jackson and Ransom is going to be so good for him. Jackson looks over and catches me watching them. He finishes making the bed and then walks over to me.

“Everything okay?” he asks, his voice quiet.

I look up at him. “I was just thinking that Noah hasn’t known any good men in his life until now. Until Butch, I guess, and now you and Ransom.”

Jackson frowns. “I’m not a good man.”

I think at first he’s teasing, but he doesn’t smile. “Yes, you are.”

“I’m a rogue wolf, Kayla. I know that doesn’t mean a lot to you, but it’s the reason the alpha looked like he wanted to kill me. It’s the reason they all give me a wide berth.”

I take that all in and want to know more, but Noah looks like he’s about to fall asleep standing up. Jackson looks over his shoulder to see what I’m looking at and must see the same thing because he walks over to Noah. “Go ahead and get ready for bed, Noah.” He glances over at me and holds my gaze a moment. I don’t look away, and neither does he. Something passes between us; I don’t even know what it is.

“You’re a good man, Jackson.” I don’t leave him time to refute my comment. I turn around and head to the shower. A minute later, I step under the hot water and sigh. I can’t remember the last time I didn’t have to rush through my shower before it got cold. I use the shampoo and conditioner and the body wash that smells amazing. Just because I can, I wash a second time with the body soap. I tell myself it’s because I can, not because I’m trying to get rid of the memories of today. When my mind keeps trying to return to that room, I turn off the water and step out and dry off. I slip into a tank top and shorts and put my hair up in a towel before brushing my teeth. I open the door to the bathroom and watch as the steam billows out. It’s darker in the room now, and I see Noah on his bed. Even though he’s already tucked in, I pull his blanket off him and wrap him up in it a moment later. It’s kind of our thing. I sit next to him on the bed. “Are you okay?” I ask softly.

He nods. “Are you?”

I smile at him. “I feel great. No bruising, no aches and pains.” I run my fingers through the hair on top of his head, the hair that still needs to be cut. “And we no longer have to worry about Uncle Ben. I think we’re both going to sleep better tonight.” His solemn eyes meet mine, and I wonder if I’m a terrible person. Who tells their younger sibling to be happy that their family member is dead? Just as I start beating me up, he takes my hand.

“We’re safe now, Kayla.”

And just like that, any shame or regret I felt is gone. I smile at him. “Yes, we are.” And I know we have Jackson to thank for that.

Chapter 28

Kayla

After I finish with Noah, I make my way back to the bathroom. I’m not ready to face Jackson just yet. Instead, I towel dry my hair and start brushing out the tangles. I moisturize my face and then stare into the mirror a moment and let myself finally dwell on the events of today, the reality of today. Renee betrayed me, betrayed us. The thought is much more painful than I thought it would be. I grip the edges of the sink as memories of the first time we met run through my head.

“This will be really quick,” I tell Noah as we head into the grocery store. True to my word, we exit the store less than fifteen minutes later. It doesn’t take long to grocery shop when you have literally no money. “See how fast that was?” Noah doesn’t say anything in return, but I don’t let it bother me. “At least it’s warm out,” I tell him as we start down the sidewalk to begin the walk back to our apartment.

“Hey,” a guy says, suddenly in front of me. I jump in surprise; I didn’t even see him approach. “Can you help me?” he asks. “My car won’t start.”

I take Noah’s hand in mine. “Um, no. I don’t know anything about cars, but I can call for help for you.”

He grabs my hand, shocking me so much, I don’t fight back right away. “No, I need your help.” He pulls me towards the parking lot. My fight or flight instincts rush through me, and I try to pull my hand from his.

Suddenly, a woman appears and hits him over the back of the head with something hard enough to make him drop his hold on my hand and stumble back. “Get out of here!” she demands. The guy curses, holding the back of his head, and runs off.

I whirl around. “Noah!” He’s right behind me with wide eyes. “Are you okay?” He nods, fear still in his eyes. I take his hand in mine and turn to the woman.

She faces us. “Are you both okay?”

“Yes. Thank you so much. If you hadn’t showed up when you did...” A shudder runs through me.

She gives me a small smile. “We gals have to stick together.” She frowns at me. “Do you want me to call somebody?”

“No, we’re good. Thank you.”

“Okay.” She takes a step back. “I’ll walk with you to your car, just to make sure he’s really gone.”

“Oh, we’re just walking home,” I explain.

“Where do you live?” she asks.